Camp Bear Creek is a Christian summer camp and year-round retreat center in Jones County, Iowa. Here, we serve Christ by providing a place of sanctuary and inspiration.

Aerial view of a forest at sunrise.
A snow covered path in a wooded area at campgrounds in Iowa.

Catering to All Ages

Our Programs

Campers entering Grades 1-6

Campers entering grades 1-6 find a supportive and nurturing community that challenges them to try new things and grow in their faith.

A young girl laughs with delight while sitting in the creek

Campers entering Grades 7-12

Our programs for campers entering grades 7-12 are designed to support growth while learning new skills, building meaningful relationships, and fostering a strong Christian community, all while having an extraordinary summer.

Counselors in Training

Camp is truly a place where you can transform into the best version of yourself. Our programs for rising 12th graders and recent high school graduates encourage campers to do just that as they train to become impactful camp counselors in our community of faith.

A teen girl flashes a surf's up sign from the climbing tower

Retreats

Camp is made even better when it’s all year round! When the leaves change color and the air turns chilly, our Wintertainment and Teen Bash retreat programs are what we look forward to most.

A group of kids at an Iowa summer camp standing in a muddy river.

Our Dedicated Team

Our selfless staff is the glue that holds Camp Bear Creek together. Our highly-trained and energetic team strives to be fun, patient, compassionate, and responsible from the opening of camp to the bittersweet last day. From cabin counselors and kitchen staff to camp and program directors, our team’s enthusiasm is contagious, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

A brown summer camp cabin in the woods of Iowa.

Book Your Retreat

Camp Bear Creek’s site offers the perfect setting to be outdoors exploring our forest, walking our trails, enjoying the wildlife, and taking in features like the creek, bluffs, and caves. Our facilities, food service, and camp programs are available for your next retreat, reunion, or gathering.

Three kids posing for a picture at an Iowa summer camp.

“I send my kids every year because of how much my kids LOVE the time there – away from parents and school. They have the ability to be themselves without judgement.”

Two kids at summer camp in Iowa sitting on rafts in a lake.

Our child had an awesome experience and time. She was so excited to share all the great activities and experiences she had without being intimidated by peers. She shared so many memories and was so enthused.”

A boy swinging a baseball bat at summer camp in Iowa.

“We return because of all the fun activities you do with the kids; my son really enjoys it. The staff has been very friendly and makes my son feel less nervous about being away from home.”

A group of kids walking on a wooden bridge during a summer camp in Iowa.

“My boys really liked the overall experience. They enjoyed their peers and counselors and the activities. We are not your typical family of faith but we are finding our way together. The boys didn’t even have bibles coming into the week but they do now and asked for them so we could study together as a family.”

At a summer camp in Iowa, two girls are holding paint brushes.

“The opportunities for her to grow as a child of God and to be around adults supporting this and her made a difference for her and her confidence in herself, as unique as she is.”

A boy participating in a scavenger hunt during summer camp in Iowa.

“I send my kids to camp because of the amazing memories I have as a camper. It’s about being able to experience the love of Christ and growing in my faith while creating memories with friends.”

A young boy enjoying a water slide at summer camp in Iowa.

“My kids love the whole experience… being in God’s creation, friendly and energetic staff, traditional camp activities, fun worship songs, games, nature activities, etc.”

Summer 2025

Registration opens on January 2!